Three readings for hwy bylaw amendment

The District of Kent is hoping to add wording that will require landowners to clear snow off their sidewalks within a timely manner.

Council voted 4-1 to approve a bylaw amendment on Monday night, with Coun. Duane Post opposed. The amendment received three readings, with adoption at a future council meeting.

Staff put forward two recommendations to amend Bylaw 1321. While it’s commonly known that property owners are required to keep their sidewalks cleared, it wasn’t included the current bylaw, staff said.

“This is common language in other municipalities,” Mick Thiessen said, adding that the District can’t possibly remove all the snow.

“We don’t have the resources to clear all sidewalks,” he said.

In the same document, staff recommended adding a $50 fee for highway use permits. It would apply to outside agencies and contractors for projects or works that require the temporary use of District of Kent lands, roads and rights of way. There is currently no application fee.